Your preemie will need extra support upon discharge from the hospital. Most hospitals will require that parents have a car seat available that will safely support a baby weighing a minimum of 4 lbs.
While there are about 25 popular brands of car seats meeting the 4lb weight minimum, some brands and models stand out for there safety and comfort features. Some models even feature the latest SensorSafe technology, a bonus for car seat safety.
Here are the top 10 based on our experience and user reviews. My review is based on my personal experience with certain products. If you decide to purchase through the links included in this article, I may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Britax B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat
Features:
The Britax B-Safe 35 features side impact protection and an impact absorbing base. Spring-assisted recline indicators will let you know if it’s installed at the best angle.
The B-35 is compatible with all Britax’s single strollers but you’ll need an adapter for other models. Babies weighing at least 4 lbs. can safety use this car seat.
Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat
Features:
The Key Fit 30 features a leveling foot and indicators to ensure the car seat is at the proper angle; newborn head and body support; one-pull tightener; and a shade canopy. Chicco also added a smooth underside to protect vehicle seats.
Most importantly the Key Fit 30 is lined with energy-absorbing foam for improved impact protection. This car seat is safe for babies weighing at least 4 lbs. The Key Fit 30 is compatible with all Chicco strollers.
Features:
The Mesa is the very first and currently the only car seat that is fire retardant without the use of chemicals. The car seat also features side impact protection and a no-rethread adjustable headrest.
An infant insert is available for babies 4-8 lbs. The Mesa is compatible with the VISTA and CRUZ strollers without requiring an adaptor.
Safety 1st onBoard 35 Air 360 Infant Car Seat
Features:
The Safety 1st onBoard 35 Air 360 has five layers of safety which the company says helps it meet or exceed federal and European safety standards. It also features side impact protection, patented race car foam for crash energy absorption and has undergone all sides crash testing.
The handle is reinforced for stability and has a curve for comfort while transporting your little one. This car seat is safe for babies weighing at least 4 lbs.
Maxi-Cosi Mico Max Plus Infant Car Seat
Features:
The Mico Max Plus safety features include side impact protection and an anti-rotation stability leg to provide additional support and energy absorption in the event of an accident.
One great feature is the removable seat pad and harness covers which makes them easy to machine wash.
Comfort features include an extended coverage canopy and self-wicking soft-touch fabric. The company states that this car seat exceeds all safety standards and is safe for babies weighing at least 4 lbs.
Graco SnugRide SnugLock 30 Infant Car Seat
Features:
The Graco SnugRide has been crash tested and the company reports it meets or exceeds US safety standards.
The SnugRide is compatible with all Graco Click Connect strollers. This car seat is safe for babies weighing at least 4 lbs.
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 Infant Car Seat
Features:
Safety features include side impact protection, energy absorbing foam; contoured steel back plate; and a contoured base for stability.
The Peg Perego is safe for infants weighing at least 4 lbs.
Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base
Features:
Doona safety features include a newborn insert, protective sides, anti-Rebound crash technology and a five-point safety harness. The Doona has integrated wheels so no need to buy a separate stroller.
Features:
The Aton’s safety features include a metal chassis; side-impact protection; and an indicator to confirm that the car seat is correctly attached. This car seat is safe for babies weighing at least 4 lbs. The Aton is compatible with any Cybex stroller.
Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat
Features:
Safety features of the LiteMax 35 include side impact protection. Comfort features include four recline positions, head and body pillows (removable) and a full coverage canopy.
The LiteMax works with the Evenflo Lux24 Travel System. This car seat is safe for babies weighing at least 4lbs.
Our experience…
My personal recommendation is the Chicco Key Fit 30. My son was a little over 4lbs when he was discharged from the hospital. I felt that he was secure and safe on his first ride home and he looked comfortable as well.
We used this car seat for his car seat test and several of the nurses commented on how this was the car seat that they recommend parents get for their babies.
We used this car seat until he was 7-months old. We took out the lower newborn insert when my son exceeded the weight limitation for use.
My only complaint is that the bottom portion didn’t’ feel as “cushiony” after the insert was removed.
Bottomline…
The hospital will provide a lot of valuable information but be sure to do your own research as well. The list of car seats we were given had discontinued models on it, and outdated recommendations.
For instance the AAP recommends children are placed in a rear facing car seat for up to the car seat’s weight limit verses the blanket age requirement of 2-years of age listed on the documentation we received from the NICU.
Finally, be sure to register your car seat so that you can receive information on any recalls that the car seat’s manufacturer may have.
One more thing…
RSV is a real threat to preemie babies. We found these cute car seat tags to hang on our son’s car seat or stroller to help prevent our baby from contracting RSV (and other germs).
Preemie No Touching Car Seat Sign
Car Seat 5 in 1 Cover – I’m Cute & Cuddly but Please Don’t Touch Little Me
